Project learning in Anoka County 4-H

Bethany L., Clair H., Shelby A., and Taylor N. traveled and competed in Hippology and Horse Judging at Arabian Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma earlier in November. Their team placed 5th out of 9 junior teams and 20th overall. Great job!

Horse Judging Team
Cloverbud/Horseless Horse
Training Project

Everyone is welcome to come to horse committee meetings! Youth are especially invited to learn more about our decision-making processes. Meetings are typically held on the third Tuesday of the month (no meeting in December). Go to the Anoka County 4-H events calendar for details.

Every year, the horse committee hosts a meeting that is required for all youth planning on participating in the horse show at the county fair. We will go over general rules, expectations, and everything you need to know to show at the fair. There are two dates for these meetings to accommodate all members, but only one meeting is required. These meetings will take place at the Bunker Hills Activities Center in Andover.

Dates for 2024:
April 4 - more information and registration details
April 9 - more information and registration details

In Anoka County 4-H we have programs for youth who own their own horses as well as educational opportunities for those who don’t. 

In some cases, youth can “lease” a horse from an existing horse family if your child is interested in riding events. This means your youth would be partnered with another 4-H mentor and horse to learn with. Finding a 4-H horse is a bit complicated due to lots of kids wanting to lease and limited families who have horses available. However, our volunteers to their best to make connections between families! There are two clubs in Anoka County that have many youth that participate in horse. One club is the Wranglers who meet in Oak Grove and the other is the Dandy Linos who meet in Lino Lakes. Kellie Ostertag is the coordinator for the horseless horse program on the county level. Start with her with any questions that you have. She will share with you about the program and help guide you with some next steps. She is best reached by phone- 763-213-8489 but does also email at elliotto@live.com.

The MN 4-H page has some great resources about the horse project including educational materials.

The Dog Committee is the group that oversees the yearly dog training and any other dog related activities within Anoka County. New members are always welcome. Youth are especially invited to learn more about our decision-making processes. Meetings are typically held once a month. Go to the Anoka County 4-H events calendar for details.

Air Gun/BB Gun – Held at the Bunker Hills Archery Building. Learn about safe gun handling, shooting fundamentals, and range commands. Join in air rifle (4^th grade & up) and bb gun (3^rd grade) shooting, wildlife programs & recreational shooting. Classes typically offered in January and February on Wednesdays or Fridays. 

Air Pistol – Held at the Bunker Hills Archery Building. Learn about safe gun handling, shooting fundamentals, and range commands. Must have completed 2 year of Air/BB gun. Classes typically offered in April on Mondays. 

Archery – Held at the Bunker Hills Archery Building. Learn proper techniques for shooting the bow and arrow. For youth in grades 3 and up. Classes typically offered in February - May on Mondays or Wednesdays. 

.22 Rifle – Requirement:  Must be in at least 6th grade and have completed one year of air gun. Learn to shoot target rifles, pistols, scope rifles, and silhouettes. Shooters will be required to provide their own ammunition. Training is eight weeks typically in May on Wednesday evenings.

Shotgun – Requirement:  Must be in at least 6th grade and have completed one year of air gun. Learn basics of shotgun and trap shooting. Shotgun Shooters will be required to provide their own shells and the cost of clay targets will be extra. Training for nine consecutive Wednesdays typically July thru August.

Black Powder - Requirement:  Must be in at least 6th grade and have completed one year of air gun. Learn basics of muzzleloader rifles and pistols and throwing tomahawks.  Classes meet April thru August on Saturdays.

Firearm (Hunter) Safety - Receive a Firearm Safety Certificate upon completion of the course and passing the state test. To be eligible to receive your Firearm Safety Certificate, you must be 11 years of age or older. Training typically held in March and April on Thursday.

Trapping Class - Shooting Sports/Wildlife committee and the Minnesota Trappers Association have teamed up to provide an outdoor training and learning session on trapping. Training for 4 weeks typically held in April.

Wildlife Activities - A variety of wildlife sessions will be offered as part of the 4-H shooting sports/wildlife project. Non-shooting sports members can attend. More information to come.

4-H shooting sports and wildlife leader certification

To run a county shooting sports and wildlife program, instructors must be certified by Minnesota 4-H. Leader certification training is designed to cover the essential knowledge and rules to become a certified 4-H county instructor. The training is designed for adults and youth (9th grade and up) that lead or would like to lead training in shooting sports or wildlife. Classes will be offered in the disciplines of coordinator, archery, rifle/pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and wildlife. 

State 4-H shooting sports and wildlife invitational

4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational (State Shoot) is typically held the weekend after Labor Day. Young people from across Minnesota have the opportunity to compete in events including archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, air rifle, .22 rifle and air pistol. Skillathon, wildlife calling and conservation projects also available. Youth that have participated in our local Anoka County 4-H program will receive registration information in mid-June.